ARRL Letter

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The ARRL Letter
Vol. 24, No. 47
December 2, 2005
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IN THIS EDITION:
* +ARRL and FCC continue sparring over BPL database
* +LA repeater loses automatic control privileges
* +Spacewalks "an absolute delight," ISS commander says
* +Holiday Toy Drive donation deadline draws nigh
* +Dayton Hamvention hoping to please visitors in 2006
* +Al Oubre, K5DPG, SK
* +"Go Army!" ISS commander exhorts during casual QSO with Naval Academy
* Solar Update
* IN BRIEF:
This weekend on the radio: Get on the air for the ARRL 160-Meter
Contest!
ARRL Certification and Continuing Education course registration
+Ed Marriner, W6XM, SK
December 2005 QST Error
+Available on ARRL Audio News <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/>
===========================================================
==>Delivery problems (ARRL member direct delivery only!):
letter-dlvy@arrl.org
==>Editorial questions or comments: Rick Lindquist, N1RL, n1rl@arrl.org
===========================================================
==>ARRL, FCC CONTINUE BPL INTERFERENCE RESOLUTION DATABASE DEBATE
The acting chief of the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) is
standing foursquare behind the recently opened Broadband over Power Line
(BPL) Interference Resolution Web site <http://www.bpldatabase.org/>. The
deadline for BPL operators to populate the database, provided by the United
Power Line Council (UPLC) and the United Telecom Council (UTC), was November
19. In October, the ARRL took strong exception to limitations UTC, the
site's administrator, has imposed on the number of allowable licensee
searches and to the use of ZIP codes as the only search key. Acting OET
Chief Bruce Franca defended the BPL database November 22.
"Your concern, limiting access to the database, does not constitute a
violation of the rules," said Franca, citing verse and chapter of Part 15 to
back up his assertion. Franca said §15.615(d) "clearly states" that the
database is intended to identify possible sources of harmful interference
thought to emanate from a BPL system. "Permitting individuals who are using
a licensed service that operates on the same frequencies as are used by a
BPL system to query for pertinent information in the geographic area of that
interference fully fulfills this function," he concluded.
A note on the BPL database site cautions that users are "allowed to search a
limited number of times each month." It further advises users not to conduct
random database searches, lest their access to the database be further
restricted. In his initial complaint, ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ,
characterized the notice as an attempt to "ration access" to the site.
Franca also defended the use of ZIP codes as the only means to query the
database, saying they are easily understood and identifiable and will
provide the information the rules require on BPL systems deployed within a
ZIP code. Sumner had argued earlier that requiring users to enter a ZIP code
before gaining access to the database was "clearly contrary" to the
requirement that the database be available to the public.
Responding November 30, Sumner gamely took another stab at getting the
League's point across. Part 15 is unambiguous that the information in the
database must be publicly accessible approximately 30 days before a BPL
system begins operation, he said. Using a ZIP code to gain entry, Sumner
continued, "renders the advance notification requirement meaningless to the
public" unless someone were to regularly visit the Web site and repeatedly
enter a particular ZIP code. But since that practice "is specifically
discouraged by the UTC's notice," Sumner pointed out, it's impossible for
the public to know about a BPL startup in advance, something the BPL Report
and Order seems to require.
As a result, Sumner said, the benefit of a prior notification requirement,
while limited as an interference-prevention measure, is lost to BPL
operators as well as to licensed radio services that may suffer harmful
interference that could have been avoided.
Sumner said the UTC-administered database "provides less than was promised"
in the FCC's October 2004 Report and Order. "For advance notification to be
meaningful, the public must know when additions and changes to the database
occur," he contended. "That is functionally impossible if the 'publicly
accessible' database is actually maintained behind an opaque curtain and is
only revealed one ZIP code at a time."
One workaround, Sumner suggested, would be to require UTC to make publicly
available a list of ZIP codes and the date of the most recent data entry for
each. "This also would make it clear when a specific BPL system serves more
than one ZIP code area, information that is required by §15.615(a)(3) but
that is not available to the public at present except by individual query of
each ZIP code."
Sumner said Franca failed to respond to his point regarding the error
message that appears when a database user enters a ZIP code where no BPL
system apparently has been deployed. At that point, users are asked to
provide "written details" about the nature of the interference and the
user's licensed operations as well as location--"complete address and
coordinates"--operating frequencies, whether mobile or fixed and a brief
description of the interference.
"Frankly, UTC has no authority to require the submission of such information
from an FCC licensee prior to sharing information that the public is
entitled to as a matter of right," Sumner concluded--reiterating a point
made in his initial correspondence. "If the database were appropriately
accessible the question would never arise."
On November 23, the League told the FCC that the Manassas, Virginia, BPL
system was not in compliance with FCC Part 15 rules because its operator
failed to provide full information to the public BPL database by the
November 19 deadline and the system should be shut down. The letter came
barely six weeks after the ARRL called on the FCC to turn off the Manassas
BPL system because of unresolved interference complaints to Amateur Radio.
Since the League's letter, a search under ZIP code 20110 indicates the
Manassas system has provided a contact name, address, telephone number and
e-mail address. Its entry still lacks details about the equipment in use,
however.
==>FCC LIFTS AUTOMATIC CONTROL PRIVILEGES OF BUSY LA-AREA REPEATER
The call sign and owner have changed again, but the FCC alleges that
problems persist on the Los Angeles area's 147.435 MHz repeater, now
operated by Jeffrey Stieglitz, AE6NZ, of Torrance. The FCC Los Angeles
District Office recently informed Stieglitz that it was suspending automatic
control privileges for the repeater. That means the licensee or a designated
control operator must be at the repeater's control point whenever the
machine is operational.
"Your amateur station AE6NZ is under review by the Enforcement Bureau for
numerous and continued apparent violations of the Commissions rules," FCC LA
Office District Director Catherine Deaton wrote Stieglitz November 18. The
Commission alleges inadequate station control, deliberate interference,
failure of users to identify and use by unlicensed operators.
Stieglitz told ARRL he encourages users of the busy repeater to comply with
Part 97 rules and to make a reasonable effort to identify unlicensed
operators. "I believe that the 147.435 repeater attracts people to the hobby
and, overall, is consistent with the purposes of Amateur Radio," he said.
"Sometimes the talk on the repeater may resemble that of a boys locker
room," Stieglitz conceded, "but I think we more than make up for it with
charitable activities and technical sophistication."
Deaton says if AE6NZ is operated under automatic control prior to
notification from her office, enforcement action up to and including a
license revocation and suspension hearing, a fine or both could follow.
Deaton also asked Stieglitz to submit in advance the names and contact
numbers of other licensees who serve as control operators. "During any times
that no control operator is available, the repeater must be shut down,"
Deaton stated.
The odd-split 147.435 MHz repeater (the primary input is 146.400 MHz) has
been a lightning rod for controversy. In 2001, the FCC terminated the
automatic control privileges of the then-W6NUT repeater while it was
reviewing its operation. Since then the repeater has changed hands a few
times, and enforcement issues seem to have followed. Stieglitz believes
"heat from the FCC" was behind the frequent ownership changes.
"As the Jack Gerritsen case shows, there is very little the FCC can actually
do against a determined bootlegger," Stieglitz said. Gerritsen is set to
appear in federal court next week. "In my opinion, shutting down a repeater
because a third party breaks the rules just penalizes the honest operators."
FCC Enforcement Bureau Special Counsel Riley Hollingsworth had another
perspective: "The repeater has been out of control long enough, and we have
been too patient too long," he told ARRL.
==>SPACEWALKS "THRILLING," ASTRONAUT TELLS STUDENTS DURING HAM RADIO CHAT
International Space Station Expedition 12 Commander Bill McArthur, KC5ACR,
told students gathered in Geneva, Switzerland, November 22, that taking a
spacewalk is a thrilling experience. Speaking the following day with middle
schoolers in upstate New York, McArthur described space exploration as the
new frontier. Both contacts were arranged by the Amateur Radio on the
International Space Station (ARISS) program. During the Geneva contact--part
of the "Science on Stage" program for European science teachers--McArthur
rhapsodized about the spacewalk experience.
"It's an absolute delight, it's thrilling to be outside, it's being truly in
a totally alien environment," McArthur said, "and you realize the only thing
between you and vacuum is the small little spaceship that you call your
spacesuit. And it is truly the most thrilling thing I've ever done."
Responding to a question involving human physiology in space, McArthur said
it's theorized that bone tissue is replaced more slowly in space because it
does not get stressed in microgravity.
"On Earth, when you walk, when you run, every time your foot strikes the
ground there is stress on your skeletal system, and this aids in bone
development," McArthur said. He told another student that getting used to
weightlessness was the biggest adjustment for ISS crew members. He noted
that he and crewmate Valery Tokarev will have spent some 182 days in space
by the time they return to Earth next April. In the meantime, much of the
research conducted aboard the ISS will help determine how well human beings
will be able to handle long-term space travel beyond Earth orbit, McArthur
said.
Some 300 science teachers from 25 countries gathered at the European Nuclear
Research Center (CERN) in Geneva for the conference. Eighteen students from
Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Norway and Portugal took part in the space
QSO.
NN1SS at Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland served as the Earth station
for the CERN event. MCI donated a two-way teleconferencing link between
NN1SS in Maryland and the ISS. Gaston Bertels, ON4WF, was the ARISS-Europe
mentor.
On November 23, youngsters at Central Park Middle School in Schenectady, New
York--a NASA Explorer School--focused most of their questions on spaceflight
training, preparation and safety. McArthur told the youngsters that it was
hard to get into the space program.
"It was very difficult because there simply are so few astronauts--there are
only slightly more than 100 astronauts in the US space program, and each
time we ask for new volunteers, we get thousands of applications from very,
very qualified people," McArthur explained. "So, to be quite honest, not
only do you have to have a good resume, you have to be very, very lucky."
An astronaut for 15 years, McArthur said he trained four and a half years
for his current mission onboard the ISS. The most challenging aspect of his
job is "to be patient," he said in reply to another question. "I've spent
much, much more time training and on the ground than flying in orbit."
McArthur said he believes the most important thing society can gain from
missions like his is a continued belief in and commitment to space
exploration. "Humans by their very nature want to go to the next frontier,"
he added, "and we think the next frontier is the one you see when you look
straight up."
W6SRJ at Santa Rosa Junior College in California served as the Earth station
for the Central Park contact, and MCI donated a teleconferencing link
between W6SRJ and the school.
ARISS <http://www.rac.ca/ariss> is an international educational outreach
with US participation by ARRL, AMSAT and NASA.
==>2005 HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE ON A ROLL!
Hams are finding even more ways to pitch in and boost the ARRL/The Salvation
Army 2005 Holiday Toy Drive <http://www.arrl.org/pio/#toy>. The League has
partnered with The Salvation Army in an effort to bring some holiday cheer
to children along the US Gulf Coast left homeless or displaced in the
aftermath of this year's devastating hurricanes. Likewise, many individual
radio amateurs and ham radio groups are partnering with others and even
providing some incentives to spread the joy of giving.
Chiropractor Dr Frank Vesci, W1NK, has offered free evaluations to any
patients who bring a toy with them to their appointments. Joe Guvman,
KB1DVG, has been encouraging customers with a special display at his Meineke
Muffler shop to bring in toys for the drive. The Hampden County Radio
Association in Massachusetts has urged members to bring toys to the club's
annual holiday party this week. The club already collected and shipped off a
batch of toys gathered during its yearly auction early this month. Many
others around the country are similarly enthusiastic.
Charles Kosman, WB2NQV, reports that the toy drive's public service
announcement featuring country music star Patty Loveless, KD4WUJ, aired all
last week during the 5:30 PM time slot on KSWO-TV, which serves southwestern
Oklahoma and northern Texas. "That's between the early local news and ABC
Network news," Kosman enthused. "I guess we got some prime time for it!"
Between "testing" the many toys, ARRL Delta Division Vice Director Henry
Leggette, WD4Q, and the crew of ham radio volunteers have otherwise been
busy at the Memphis, Tennessee, warehouse where the toys are collecting for
delivery. Volunteer coordinator Joe Lowenthal, WA4OVO, concedes that the
warehouse crew sometimes has to resist the temptation to play with the toys.
He says the crew has inventoried close to 2800 toys already, and more are in
the offing as the final weeks of the 2005 Holiday Toy Drive approach.
"Things are definitely picking up," Lowenthal told ARRL this week, noting
that some 500 toys arrived November 29 alone. While many of the
toys--perhaps 1000 or more--are stuffed animals, he says there's quite a
variety among the remaining donations, including a lot of athletic gear.
"We've got soccer balls, we've got basketballs, we have footballs," he
reports. And there's more. "We have a number of dolls, doll sets, jewelry,
makeup kits, we have a number of crayons and coloring books, we even have
some computer programs, quite a few puzzles and games," Lowenthal added. One
donor sent an educational toy that lets the youngster set up various
electronic circuits. "He's probably hoping whoever gets it will become a
ham," he said.
There's still a big need for toys suitable for older children, Lowenthal
said. He suggested that ARRL members write a check to help cover those needs
unless they have a specific donation in mind. One individual has donated a
new bicycle. "That will probably be the biggest item," he said.
Radio amateurs are invited to send new unwrapped toys for boys and girls
aged 1 to 14 to: ARRL Toy Drive/The Salvation Army, 1775 Moriah Woods
Blvd--Suite 12, Memphis, TN 38117-7125. Include a QSL card or a card bearing
your call sign.
ARRL invites its members to send checks if they prefer, made out to "ARRL
Toy Drive." Send these donations to: ARRL Toy Drive, 225 Main St, Newington,
CT 06111.
At the warehouse, volunteers log in each contribution, then sort the toys
and record the donors, if known. Lowenthal notes that in some shipments QSL
cards have not been attached to a particular toy. He advises donors to tape
cards to the gifts. Many hams have indicated, however, that they're less
concerned about getting credit or even a "thank you" for their contribution
as long as they know the toys are going where they'll bring smiles.
Lowenthal says the toys have been arriving via a number of carriers, but he
recommends FedEx, UPS or DHL for the most expeditious delivery, although
shipments have been arriving via the US Postal Service as well.
ARRL Media and Public Relations Manager Allen Pitts, W1AGP--the League's
point man for the drive, says the final two weeks are critical. "This is
when we make or break it," he said. He encourages groups, clubs and
individuals to send their toy packages by December 10.
==>DAYTON HAMVENTION® SAYS BETTER COMMUNICATION A KEY GOAL FOR 2006
Well in advance of the 55th Dayton Hamvention next spring, event organizers
report they're implementing strategies to improve communication and provide
more and better information about the show. Part of the plan is a complete
makeover of the Dayton Hamvention Web site <http://www.hamvention.org/>,
still a work in progress. Hamvention 2006 takes place May 19-21 at Hara
Arena in Trotwood, Ohio. Dayton Hamvention volunteers this past spring asked
many vendors and visitors alike what they could do to improve the world's
largest Amateur Radio gathering, and "better communication" was the most
common response.
"People told us what they wanted, and we are going to do our best to
deliver," says Dayton Hamvention 2006 General Chairman Jim Nies, WX8F. "We
have set several goals for this year, and one of the most important is to
respond to requests more quickly than we did during the 2005 show." Nies
took over the reins from Gary Des Combes, N8EMO, who headed up the 2004 and
2005 events and brought back an all-volunteer staff. The Dayton Amateur
Radio Association (DARA) has sponsored Hamvention since the early 1950s.
The goal of the 2006 Dayton Hamvention staff will be to at least acknowledge
all requests within 24 hours and, if possible, provide the information or
assistance needed within the same time frame, Nies said. "I know that we
won't be able to answer every question or deal with every problem
immediately, but we will definitely make every effort to do it as soon as
possible," he added.
Hamvention organizers say that while feedback from those who attended the
2005 show generally was very positive, a number indicated that more advance
information would be helpful. For example, Hamvention will post information
on traffic patterns and access points on its Web site well in advance of the
2006 show, said Assistant General Chairman Carl Rose, K8CPR, who served as
security chair for Dayton Hamvention 2004 and 2005.
"We tried some things with traffic flow and vendor access in 2005, and some
worked very well and others need improvement," Rose said. "We will use the
feedback we received, particularly about vendor access, to see if we can
make it quicker and easier to get into the arena for setup."
Rose urged Dayton Hamvention visitors to check the Web site before leaving
to see if there are any last minute changes due to construction or other
unforeseen events. Hamvention also will continue golf cart shuttles and
benches in the flea market for the convenience of attendees, Rose said.
Some things won't change for the 55th Hamvention. Tickets prices will remain
the same as the 2005 show, and so will show hours. Dayton Hamvention 2006 is
expected to draw some 25,000 visitors from all over the US and around the
world. The Dayton/Montgomery County Convention & Visitors Bureau has
estimated Dayton Hamvention's annual economic impact at close to $4 million
for Montgomery County and nearly $10 million regionally.
==>PAST ARRL DIRECTOR, VICE DIRECTOR, SECTION MANAGER AL OUBRE, K5DPG, SK
Lionel A. "Al" Oubre, K5DPG, of New Iberia, Louisiana, died November 25,
surrounded by his family. He was 64. An ARRL Life Member and Diamond Club
member, Oubre served in the 1980s as ARRL Delta Division Vice Director and
Director and from 1992 to 2000 as ARRL Louisiana Section Manager. ARRL Delta
Division Director Rick Roderick, K5UR, says he and Oubre were friends for
many years.
"He was always involved in and doing things for ham radio," Roderick said.
"He left a strong record of helping make things better. I will miss him
greatly."
Louisiana SM Mickey Cox, K5MC, who succeeded Oubre as Section Manager,
recounted that after stepping down as SM, Oubre continued to serve the
section as an Assistant SM and was the Section's Webmaster. He also was an
ARRL Official Relay Station.
"In addition to being an active traffic handler on NTS and MARS nets, he was
a mentor for many of us over the years," said Cox. "He will be truly
missed."
In 1979, Oubre won a contested election for Delta Division Vice Director and
took office January 1, 1980. When the Board elected then-Director Max
Arnold, W4WHN, to be a Vice President, Oubre moved up to the Director's
position. He served on the Board for two years, but lost a bid for a new
term. Subsequently re-elected as Delta Division Vice Director, he held that
position from 1984 until 1986.
More recently, Oubre was very active in the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency
Communications online courses, mentoring more than 225 students since 2002.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Oubre filled in for several weeks as
Louisiana Section Emergency Coordinator.
A US Air Force veteran, Oubre was a member of the Disabled American
Veterans, the American Legion and the Civil Air Patrol. Oubre held
bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Southwestern
Louisiana (now University of Louisiana-Lafayette), and he worked as a
dispatcher for the New Iberia Police Department.
Oubre was a member of the A-1 Operator Club and the Acadiana Amateur Radio
Association (AARA).
Survivors include his wife, Carolyn, KA5IJU, sons Michael, KC5HXL, and
Eugene, W5DBR, and daughters Alice, N5SYD, and Theresa. A service was held
November 28 in New Iberia.
==>ISS COMMANDER CHEERS FOR ARMY IN CONTACT WITH NAVAL ACADEMY'S W3ADO
During a brief 2-meter contact November 26 between the US Naval Academy's
W3ADO and NA1SS, ISS Expedition 12 Commander Bill McArthur, KC5ACR, cheered
for an Army win in the traditional Army-Navy football game December 3.
"Thanks very much for the contact, but I can't resist," said McArthur, a US
Army officer and veteran. "Go, Army. Beat Navy!"
At W3ADO Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, said he and some midshipmen were getting
ready for a pass of the Academy's PCSat2, which is attached to the ISS. The
Academy planned to use PCSat2 to track the Army-Navy game football run from
Annapolis to Philadelphia December 2. Bruninga took advantage of the quick
contact to thank the ISS crew for installing and maintaining PCSat2 and the
MISSE5 experiment. McArthur responded, "Gosh, sure appreciate working with
you guys. Good luck. Hope it's a great game on Saturday."
"Bill caught us by surprise, as it is very rare for them to find time to get
on the radio," Bruninga said afterward. And at the very last possible minute
too--just as the ISS was passing east over the Atlantic, he added.
Just before contacting W3ADO, he worked the Experimenters' Group Amateur
Radio Club's N4ISS, operated by ARISS aficionado Al Lark, KD4SFF, in South
Carolina.
"After exchanging signal reports, I asked him what he ate for Thanksgiving,"
Lark recounted. McArthur replied: "Al, we had a good Thanksgiving, gosh . .
. turkey, corn, mashed potatoes, cranapple for dessert. We ate almost a full
day of rations in one meal."
McArthur reportedly made some three dozen casual contacts during
Thanksgiving week, most over North America with a few over Europe and New
Zealand. The NA1SS worldwide downlink frequency is 145.800 MHz. There's more
information on the ARISS Web page <http://www.rac.ca/ariss>.
==>SOLAR UPDATE
Sun watcher Tad "Who Let the Dogs Out!" Cook, K7RA, Seattle, Washington,
reports: Average daily sunspot numbers were down nearly 15 points to 33.7
this week, and average daily solar flux declined nearly 13 points to 84.2.
Currently sunspot and solar flux numbers are rising due to Sunspot 826,
which is growing rapidly and moving toward the center of the solar disk,
giving it maximum influence here on Earth. It also could be a source of
flares, which would not be good for the ARRL 160 Meter CW Contest this
weekend.
Predicted solar flux for Friday through Monday, December 2-5, is 100, 105,
105 and 105. Predicted planetary A index for the same days is 15, 12, 8 and
5, although those numbers will be higher if Sunspot 826 becomes especially
active.
Sunspot numbers for November 17 through 23 were 62, 51, 52, 56, 45, 36 and
35, with a mean of 48.1. The 10.7 cm flux was 100.5, 101.1, 102, 96.4, 94.7,
92.6, and 89.7, with a mean of 96.7. Estimated planetary A indices were 3,
4, 10, 7, 3, 6 and 8, with a mean of 5.9. Estimated mid-latitude A indices
were 1, 2, 6, 5, 2, 3 and 12, with a mean of 4.4.
Sunspot numbers for November 24 through 30 were 30, 39, 30, 26, 27, 27 and
57, with a mean of 33.7. The 10.7 cm flux was 86.6, 79.9, 80.8, 80.7, 81.9,
84.7, and 94.7, with a mean of 84.2. Estimated planetary A indices were 9,
10, 5, 2, 9, 5 and 10 with a mean of 7.1. Estimated mid-latitude A indices
were 6, 8, 3, 2, 6, 6 and 9, with a mean of 5.7.
__________________________________
==>IN BRIEF:
* This weekend on the radio: Get on the air for the ARRL 160-Meter Contest
(CW), the ARCI Topband Sprint, the New Mexico QSO Party, the TARA RTTY
Melee, the Wake-Up! QRP Sprint and the TOPS Activity Contest are the weekend
of December 3-4. JUST AHEAD: The ARS Spartan Sprint is December 6. The
EU-PSK-QRP Contest is December 9. The ARRL 10-Meter Contest and the CQC
Great Colorado Snowshoe Run are the weekend of December 10-11. The NA High
Speed Meteor Scatter Winter Rally is December 10-18. The NAQCC 80-Meter
Straight Key/Bug Sprint is December 14. The Russian 160-Meter Contest is
December 16. See the ARRL Contest Branch page
<http://www.arrl.org/contests/> and the WA7BNM Contest Calendar
<http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/index.html> for more info.
* ARRL Certification and Continuing Education course registration:
Registration remains open through Sunday, December 4, for these ARRL
Certification and Continuing Education (CCE) Program on-line courses:
Emergency Communications Level 2 (EC-002), Emergency Communications Level 3
(EC-003), Antenna Modeling (EC-004), VHF/UHF Beyond the Repeater (EC-008),
and Propagation (EC-011), HF Digital Communications (EC-005) Classes begin
Friday, December 16. To learn more, visit the CCE Course Listing page
<http://www.arrl.org/cce/courses.html> or contact the CCE Department
<cce@arrl.org&gt;.
* Ed Marriner, W6XM, SK: Well-known Amateur Radio author Edmund H. "Ed"
Marriner, W6XM (ex-W6BLZ), of San Luis Obispo, California, died November 20.
He was 90. A prolific writer, he contributed to various Amateur Radio
publications, including QST, CQ, Ham Radio and 73, from the 1950s until the
1990s. Marriner edited the "Ham Notebook" column in Ham Radio for several
years and authored dozens of construction project articles for CQ. He also
wrote about linear amplifiers and the advent of SSB. Earlier this year,
Marriner--an ARRL member--was inducted into the CQ Amateur Radio Hall of
Fame.
* December 2005 QST Error: An error appears in the article "What's the Deal
About 'NVIS'?" by Dean Straw, N6BV (page 39 of the December 2005 issue of
QST): Figures 1 and 9 depict the same graphic. The corrected article is
available in PDF format on the ARRL Web site
<http://www.arrl.org/files/qst-binaries/Straw1205.pdf>. This file is nearly
10 MB in size, and a high-speed Internet connection is highly recommended.
We regret any confusion this error may have caused QST readers.
===========================================================
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The ARRL Letter

The ARRL Letter offers a weekly summary of essential news of interest to active amateurs that is available in advance of publication in QST, our official journal. The ARRL Letter strives to be timely, accurate, concise and readable.

Much of the ARRLÂ Letter content is also available in audio form in ARRLÂ Audio News.

Material from The ARRL Letter may be republished or reproduced in whole or in part in any form without additional permission. Credit must be given to The ARRL Letter and The American Radio Relay League.

Back issues published since 2000 are available on this page. If you wish to subscribe via e-mail, simply log on to the ARRL Web site, click on Edit Your Profile at the top, then click on Edit Email Subscriptions. Check the box next to The ARRL email newsletter, the ARRL Letter and you will receive each weekly issue in HTML format. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Plain-Text

The ARRL E-Letter e-mail is also available in plain-text version:

Outlook Express

1. From the Inbox view, select the Tools menu and the Options selection.

2. Click the Read tab

3. Check the Read All Messages In Plain Text box.Â When you open the e-mail, it will be in plain text without images. Other e-mail programs may be able to make a Mail Rule for e-mail received from the address memberlist@www.arrl.org so that the plain-text-only display is selected automatically.

Outlook 2007

Use the same procedure as for Outlook Express, although the global option is under "Tools/Trust Center/E-mail Security".

Use the "Message text garbled?" link in the drop-down menu at the upper right of the displayed message block. pine, alpine Set "prefer-plain-text" in your ~/.pinerc configuration file: feature-list=..., prefer-plain-text, ...